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Mayasabha, also known as theHall of Illusions, is a legendary palace described in the Indian epicMahabharata. Located inIndraprastha, it was constructed byMaya (also referred to as Mayasura), anAsura architect and king of theDanavas. Built for thePandavas after their settlement inKhandavaprastha, the palace is renowned for its extraordinary beauty, intricate design, and symbolic representation of wealth, power, and divine favour.
Maya, the son of the sageKashyapa and his wifeDanu, was a master architect among theDanavas, renowned for his extraordinary craftsmanship and architectural prowess. Blessed byBrahma, he became a prominent figure celebrated for constructing magnificent structures for both theAsuras andDevas.[1]
Maya's association with thePandavas began during the burning of theKhandava forest (Khandavadaha), whichKrishna andArjuna offered as a feast toAgni, the fire deity.[1] As the fire engulfed the forest, Maya, seeking refuge, was forced to flee. When Krishna aimed hisSudarshana Chakra at him, Maya, in fear, sought protection from Arjuna.[1] Arjuna intervened, stopping Krishna and Agni, thereby saving Maya's life. Grateful for their mercy, Maya pledged loyalty to Arjuna and offered to repay their kindness.[2]
Arjuna initially declined any reward, stating that saving Maya was sufficient. However, upon Maya's insistence, Arjuna directed him to Krishna.[3] Krishna, recognising the opportunity, instructed Maya to construct a grand and unparalleled palace forYudhishthira inIndraprastha. This palace, known as Mayasabha, would symbolize the Pandavas' rising power, divine favour, and prosperity.[3]
Maya undertook the construction of the Mayasabha with great devotion and meticulous planning. He selected a plot measuring 5,000cubits square in Indraprastha, an area known for its beauty and favourable conditions. On an auspicious day, he performed rituals and made generous offerings toBrahmanas before beginning the work.[3]
Mayasura sourced rare materials from various locations to construct the palace. These included treasures from Hiranya-sringa nearMount Kailasa and Vrishaparva's mansion, which was guarded byYakshas andRakshasas.[3] In addition, he retrieved special gifts for the Pandavas, such as a celestial club forBhima and the Devadatta conch for Arjuna.[2][4]
Completed over fourteen months, the Mayasabha was a masterpiece of architectural brilliance.[2][3][5] The palace featured golden columns, walls embedded with precious gems, and intricate designs that blended celestial and human artistry.[5] The crystal floors of the palace gave the illusion of pools of water, while a jeweled tank, with golden lotuses and aquatic fowl, added to its splendour. Jeweled stairs enhanced its opulence.[3]
The palace radiated a divine brilliance, rivaling celestial abodes like Sudharma andBrahma’s mansion.[3] The Mayasabha stood as a testament to Mayasura’s architectural skill and the Pandavas’ growing prominence.
The Mayasabha became a symbol of the Pandavas' growing power and prosperity. Its extraordinary beauty and grandeur attracted admiration from across the world and showcased Yudhishthira's prominence. The palace served as the venue for significant events in the Mahabharata, including Yudhishthira'sRajasuya Yagna, which marked his assertion of sovereignty and elevated the Pandavas’ status.[4][5]
During a visit to the Mayasabha,Duryodhana, theKaurava prince, was humiliated after mistaking the reflective crystal floors for water and falling. This incident fueled his envy and deepened his animosity toward the Pandavas, contributing to the events that eventually led to theKurukshetra War.[6]
